Watford announce Quique Sanchez Flores as head coach after Javi Gracia departure
Quique Sanchez Flores has returned to Watford, replacing sacked head coach Javi Gracia.
The Premier League side announced Gracia’s departure after a poor start to the season, shortly before the reappointment of the former Atletico Madrid manager.
Sanchez Flores joined Watford after their promotion to the Premier League in 2015-16, where he led them to a mid-table finish and FA Cup semi-final appearance.
And it would appear the Hornets have opted for the devil they know, after spells in both his native Spain and also China.
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This season, though, the Hornets managed to score just two goals and have not won in eight league matches stretching back to April.
It was that form which led to the departure of Gracia.
Chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury told the club’s website: “Javi has represented Watford with great dignity and will always be deserving of our fullest respect for his achievements.”
Watford finished 11th in the top flight last season, making an FA Cup final appearance along the way.
Although they made it to a landmark cup final, Gracia’s men were brutally swept aside 6-0 by Premier League champions Manchester City.
The statement added: “Javi Gracia’s staff will also be leaving the club, ahead of the imminent appointment of a new coaching team.
”Everyone at the Hornets wishes Javi and his staff all the very best for the future, and they will always be welcome visitors in the future at Vicarage Road.”
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